Thursday, January 04, 1997

US Virgin Islands

[singlepic id=4817 w=180 h=40 mode=web20 float=left]Good morning! This is Alex Randall with Good News Headlines


 

(also see yesterday’s Presidential update)

U.S.V.I. – Presidential Update

President William Jefferson Clinton is visiting St. Thomas for a relaxing New year’s vacation. He is staying at one of the finest beaches in the world. The President, with Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton are staying at the Sand Dollar

Estate in Peterborg. The estate is an excellent choice as the security there is easy to manage — the Vice President visited the same place with the whole Gore family when they came to St. Thomas. The Sand Dollar has its own private beach as well as swimming pools and comfortable surroundings. The houses on either side have been made available to the Secret Service. Peterborg is on a peninsula sticking into the Atlantic side of St. Thomas and it forms one side of Magens Bay; at the base of Magens Bay is the famous beach that attracts thousands of visitors.

Thursday Relaxing

On Thursday the President took a full day holiday. There were unconfirmed report that he had taken in some golf, but a shower postponed the golf party. He was reported to be reading two books about the Irish in America.

Friday: Snorkeling at Love and Go Cay and Golf

The President is enjoying his vacation. He spent Friday morning relaxing then around 10 a.m. his group took off from Red Hook toward St. John.

The President snorkeled at Love and Go Cay, a tiny and very secluded island off the north coast of St. John. The President traveled on the Lady Lynsey, a 53 foot catamaran and the diving guide was Lucy Portlock. Portlock said the president spent about 2 hours on the reef and he called it “fascinating”. She said it was quite a day, her next client was Michael J. Fox.

Later in the day, the president took in Mahogany Run Golf Course where he demonstrated a tremendous golf swing, clearing the hill on the first hole, considered very impressive by local golf pros. With evening falling, the President skipped several holes and took on the famous 14th hole, the Devil’s Triangle.

The official report says President Clinton played golf yesterday with two associates from Washington, Dr and Mrs. Marshall and there was no fourth. However, eyewitnesses reported to the Good News Guy that while Irving Brownie Brown was not the fourth for golf with the President, Brownie’s partner Walter was seen playing the 14th hole at Mahogany Run Golf Course with the Chief Executive.

What, No Broccoli!?!

The President went to dinner Friday night at Zorba’s on Government Hill. He ordered a dish that featured broccoli. This is no president Bush, this president likes broccoli. Alas, the cupboard at Zorba’s was bare, no broccoli for the President. They dispatched the cook to Herve and restaurant 1829 — no broccoli at either. The President ended up with chick pea hummus and a vegetable platter without the broccoli. Zorba’s owner Jimmy Boukas said he had no idea they were coming. When the secret service called, he said Yeah, Right.

The President is considering whether to visit the America’s Cup Yacht Stars and Stripes or go to the Adult Parade in St. Croix today.

The President is expected to remain in St. Thomas through the middle of January 5th before returning to the White House.

Vacation Conditions

Vacation conditions in St. Thomas are excellent. Day temperatures have been in the mid-80’s with evening temperatures in the low 70’s.

Winds have been out of the north and east at a steady 12-15 knots and the water is crystal clear for diving. Fishing conditions are reported to be excellent with bill fishing enjoying its best season in years. Sailors are reporting the sailing conditions as ideal and divers say the same for the current scuba conditions.